Forum Topic

New Waitrose in Acton?

I've heard  what may be a rumour, that there's going to be a new Waitrose somewhere in Acton.  Is it true please?

Gerry Tan ● 4352d17 Comments

Yes Gerry absolutely true! This will be in The Oaks once it is redeveloped. We will be minus Poundstretchers, Iceland, the 99p shop and I don't know how many more but we will gain a Waitrose!There won't be much competition with Morrisons then because Waitrose is more expensive!It will be interesting to see how popular Waitrose is when it eventually opens. Mind you the very first Waitrose opened in Acton many years ago!

Jean F Fernandez ● 4352d

Super Saver is also going along with Sports Direct. All these really useful shops for a bloody Waitrose!! If I wanted to shop there I would head down to Chiswick.

Tony Crumpton ● 4351d

Savers is great, some real bargains to be had. But some of them must be staying, surely? Peacocks anyone?

Chris Hurley ● 4351d

The plans currently on display in the Oaks clearly show more shops than just Waitrose. The question is how much of what's there now will close for the 2 years from when they start in spring to when the Waitrose is said to open.

Ben Smith ● 4351d

I think the 99p shop is staying but nearly everything else seems to be closing. The luggage guy (another useful shop)has gone as well and from what I hear is struggling to find a new premise with the crazy rents for the shops on the High Street.

Tony Crumpton ● 4351d

Tony isn't it such a shame that we are going to lose some of these shops? Acton High Street will probably suffer once The Oaks closes it's doors for 2 years, unless of course they keep part of it open.Once people realise that there are many fewer shops in Acton High Street they will probably go elsewhere never to return.Waitrose is a lovely store but not for everyone unless they have deep pockets!

Jean F Fernandez ● 4351d

The developers seem to be getting rid of the shops as soon as they can - and as many as possible. Waitrose said a year ago they would be tenants - but have been incredibly quiet ever since. Judicial Review of planning decision due to be heard in early November.

Sara Nathan ● 4351d

Acton High Street really does need a variety of shops within the price range to suit all residents. It is unfortunate that high rents on the High Street is preventing more shops from opening.I wonder whether se will just end up with Waitrose in The Oaks and we lose  shops like Savers, Iceland, Poundstretchers and the 99p store. Thisnwould mean that many residents will have to travel further to thr nearest store for their purchases.I bet the developers really couldn't care less about the wishes of Acton residents!

Jean F Fernandez ● 4351d

It's not like the high street isn't flooded with cheap shops.  You make it sound like in 2 years' time, Acton will have Waitrose and nothing else! THere will already be many Acton residents who travel outside Acton because there are only cheap shops here.  I'm not one of them, just saying.

Ben Smith ● 4351d

Nick, I am sure a lot of people will really miss those shops we will lose due to the redevelopment. It is a shame thaat some cannot relocate to another premises in Acton, but as mentioned before rates are probably preventing this happening.The Oaks will be closed for about 2 years I believe, it is obviously going to maake a huge difference to those who like to shop locally, many are unable to travel far due to mobility problems. Corner shops are usually more expensive for essentials so the shops like Iceland, Poundstretcher, the 99p shop will surely be sorely missed by many.Just saying.

Jean F Fernandez ● 4351d

I don't disagree with any of that but if there's such a market for Savers (which is the best shop in the Oaks) then they'll full one of the empty shops on the high street.

Ben Smith ● 4351d

This may be a silly question by has waitrose actually signed a contract to build a new store? If not all these shops will have closed for nothing and we are going to be that much poorer for convenient stores.

Tony Crumpton ● 4350d

Waitrose are not doing any building. there is some sort of agreement - no idea how firm or enforceable - that they will be what is called the "anchor tenant" for the Oaks....the development is being carried out by ARC - which is a sort of shell company that only exists to do this development. At one point David Levy of Spurs was a major shareholder - not sure that is still the case.

Sara Nathan ● 4349d

So we could end up with Lidl. I wouldn't mind that!

Bob Crossley ● 4349d

I wouldn't mind that either Bob, or an Aldi, maybe give Morrisons some competition!

Jean F Fernandez ● 4349d

I would LOOOOVE Aldi or Lidl , but I think it would be the end of Morisson.

Kim Rugg ● 4349d

A Lidl would be fantastic. Having liven in Munich for 5 years I am very partial to some things German!!

Tony Crumpton ● 4349d